What is Living Kidney Donation?
Many people know that you can donate an organ after you die, but did you know that you can donate a kidney when you are still alive? Here’s what living kidney donation is, how it works, and why you might want to consider it.
Living kidney donation is when a healthy living person donates one of their kidneys to someone whose kidneys are no longer functioning properly. The donated kidney is surgically removed from the living donor and transplanted into the recipient.
Why is Living Kidney Donation Possible?
While some organs, like the heart, can only be donated after death, living kidney donation is possible because most people have two kidneys, and you only need one to live. When one kidney is removed, the remaining kidney can do the work of both. This means a healthy person can safely donate a kidney without harming their own long-term health.
Why Do We Need Living Kidney Donors?
More than 90,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a kidney transplant. Kidneys from living donors are in high demand because they work better and last longer than kidneys from deceased donors. But the number of people who need kidneys is far greater than the number of available organs.
Who Can Be a Living Kidney Donor?
Most living donors are family members or friends of someone who needs a transplant, but many are strangers who simply want to help. To donate, you must be healthy and willing to go through medical and psychological screening to make sure donation is safe for you and the recipient.
What Are the Benefits of Living Kidney Donation?
Living organ donation offers several advantages over deceased donation. For example, kidneys from living donors typically function better and last longer than those from deceased donors.
The surgeries can also be scheduled at a time that is convenient for both the donor and the recipient, rather than on short notice when an organ becomes available. This can reduce the amount of time the recipient spends on dialysis or waiting in uncertainty.
How Does Living Kidney Donation Work?
- Testing – You’ll go through blood tests and exams to see if you’re a good match and healthy enough to donate.
- Surgery – The usual procedure to remove a kidney is called a laparoscopic nephrectomy. It’s done under general anesthesia and usually requires a short hospital stay.
- Recovery – Most donors return to normal activities in four to six weeks. Your remaining kidney takes over the work of both.
How to Be a Living Donor
If you are interested in being a living kidney donor, you can register at https://nkr.donorscreen.org/register/now. Throughout the process, you can change your mind at any time. Living kidney donors typically go on to live healthy, active lives, and for many, the experience of helping someone else lead a healthier life makes it all worthwhile.